University also recognized as the No. 3 best value in the South
Florida Polytechnic University has earned its fifth straight title as the No. 1 public college in the South in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges Rankings, a testament to the University’s exceptional growth and sustained excellence in just its 11th year.
Florida Polytechnic University buzzed with energy on Saturday, Sept. 20, as more than 850 parents, siblings and friends joined students on campus for the annual Phoenix Family Day. Visitors explored the University, played games, tackled hands-on STEM challenges and experienced firsthand the vibrant spirit of the Florida Poly community alongside their favorite Phoenix student. Gladys Diaz, from Miramar, Florida, joined
Legendary Colombian soccer coach Nelson Abadía brought his expertise and inspiration to Florida Polytechnic University on Thursday, Sept. 18, as he observed the men’s and women’s soccer teams in training and shared advice to strengthen their game. “It was unforgettable. Coach Abadía brought so much knowledge, and his presence alone elevated the atmosphere,” said Sebastian Anzola, captain of Florida Poly’s
Dr. Ian Bentley, chair of the Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, developed a new machine learning model to improve predictions of nuclear binding energies.
A “zombie infection” overtook Florida Polytechnic University during the week of Sept. 8, slowly spreading from three infected students to nearly all the players in a campuswide Humans vs. Zombies Nerf dart battle.
A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.
While members of the Force Institute may regularly train with their lightsabers on campus, their focus isn’t solely on the wildly successful Star Wars galaxy of media. The popular student organization at Florida Polytechnic University uses the science fiction juggernaut and the Jedi Knights at its center as the framework for a tight-knit group that advances student interaction, academic achievement,
Three Florida Polytechnic University graduate students pursing master’s degrees in engineering recently took home top honors for their research at the Florida Academy of Sciences 85th Annual Meeting. All three students are on the mechanical engineering degree track. Charisma Clarke received first place for graduate engineering poster presentation, Kyle Steel received first place for graduate engineering oral presentation, and Colton
Teams of Florida Polytechnic University seniors showed off their hard work on industry-sponsored, tech-focused projects at the annual Capstone Design Showcase on Wednesday, April 27. The capstone program pairs interdisciplinary teams of students with corporate partners who have a real-world challenge they would like addressed. The students work on building high-tech solutions to these challenges throughout the academic year. This
Bruce Hicks ’22 will receive his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Florida Polytechnic University on May 8. The student from Eustis, Florida, is an accomplished archer with his sights set on competing in the 2028 Olympics. He is captain and founder of the Florida Poly Archery Team, which opened an on-campus range in 2022. Hicks also is set to
Video game players went head-to-head in fun competitions at Florida Polytechnic University on Saturday, April 23, at the annual Spring Game Expo. The event featured dozens of student-created video games at the University’s Innovation, Science, and Technology building in Lakeland, Florida. “I’m very proud of what we accomplished,” said Alyssa Schroeder, a senior computer science major with a concentration in
Florida Polytechnic University announced a $2 million gift from Trustee Gary C. Wendt to support the creation of new leadership initiatives for students. Wendt has been closely involved with Florida Poly since 2017, when he joined its Board of Trustees. In this role, Wendt relentlessly searches for ways Florida Poly can provide not just academic excellence, but also valuable advantages
Vanessa Townsend ’22 has never shied away from an opportunity to learn, grow, or lead. She will receive her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace from Florida Polytechnic University on May 8. During her time at Florida Poly, Townsend was president of the Campus Activities Board, conference chair for the National Society of Black Engineers, president
Outstanding faculty and staff members at Florida Polytechnic University were recognized on Wednesday, April 13, during the University’s fifth annual Ablaze awards ceremony. The event shines a spotlight on the dedication, work, and successes of faculty and staff members and their many contributions to Florida Poly. It was the first time the event was held in person since 2019. The
When Javier Lozada ’22 receives his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering with a concentration in embedded systems design from Florida Polytechnic University on May 8, the talented student will be ready to step into a job as a software engineer at L3 Harris Technologies. While at Florida Poly, the native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, maximized the opportunities available to him,
Students who head to the Student Development Center (SDC) for a workout are likely to encounter Natasha Gattas’ smiling face welcoming them. The Florida Polytechnic University freshman is among the 27 student employees who help keep the fitness center running and its patrons happy. “I work at the front desk at the SDC, greeting people and introducing them to the
Dr. Doga Demirel, assistant chair of Florida Polytechnic University’s Computer Science Department, is creating a leading-edge virtual reality tool to help doctors learn critical medical procedures commonly performed in emergency rooms, during surgery, and in other medical scenarios. VORTeX – the Virtual Operating Room Team Experience – is a virtual reality surgical simulator to assist in physician education and training.
When Hailey Skoglund ’22 arrived at Florida Polytechnic University, she made the decision to embrace everything the University had to offer. She became chief justice of the Student Government Association, a Presidential Ambassador, a tutor, and is a student representative on the Florida Poly Foundation Board. Skoglund also is a full-time intern at the Walt Disney Company as she completes
